Good Ca Test Kit?
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Reef Chemistry
Forum Description: A place to discuss reef chemistry.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=47587
Printed Date: July 04 2026 at 3:06am
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Topic: Good Ca Test Kit?
Posted By: Saltwater Trish
Subject: Good Ca Test Kit?
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 11:39am
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I currently have the nutrafin test kit and it stinks. It's so hard to see the color change. I'm looking to buy a new on and am wondering what's the best. Advise is much appreciated!  |
Replies:
Posted By: Saltwater Trish
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 11:40am
Advice 
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Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 11:45am
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I like Seachem, Salifert and Sera. I probably use the Sera the most, and like it the most. I have them all, bring some water over and we'll test it. Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: WhiteReef
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 11:54am
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I use the Red Sea one and it is okay. ------------- ---------------- Richard Former 47G Column Reef, Magna 20" x 18" x 31"H |
Posted By: badger126
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 12:09pm
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The older salifert one I use is ok, I would say it's hard to tell which color it is sometimes though. It changes from a pink to a blue and when it's changing it passes thru a purple. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish whether it's purple or blue. I don't know whether they've changed the newer ones though. |
Posted By: FlooringGuy
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 12:11pm
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I use Salfert. I have a similar experience to badger but I think it is still very accurate. ------------- Call me for Carpet, Tile, or Hardwood. (801) 263-9600 |
Posted By: wickedsnowman
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 12:25pm
| Ive never had a reason to not trust api. Its the same sort of deal as sailfert changes from pink to purple then blue. |
Posted By: WhiteReef
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 12:33pm
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Red Sea does the same color change pink - purple - blue. ------------- ---------------- Richard Former 47G Column Reef, Magna 20" x 18" x 31"H |
Posted By: bfessler
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 3:06pm
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It can be difficult if you have trouble distinguishing variations in color. I use the Salifert Kit and fortunately my color perception is pretty good so it works well for me. Hanna Instruments is working on a digital calcium checker which should make things easier for those with limited color perception. Here is an article from Glass Box Design. http://glassbox-design.com/2010/hanna-checker-calcium-alkalinity-magnesium-and-nitrate-colorimeter/ - http://glassbox-design.com/2010/hanna-checker-calcium-alkalinity-magnesium-and-nitrate-colorimeter/ ------------- Burt An equal opportunity reefer, I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping. [email protected] |
Posted By: Saltwater Trish
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 9:30pm
Thanks everyone! Yeah, the one I have changes from pink to lilac or light purple and it's a killer to tell when it changes. I have the master kit by nutrafin and i'm just not thrilled with it. My water parameters are good according to my test kit. That dang Ca is just giving me a fit trying to figure it out. I usually do it twice and still have trouble telling when it changes. I'll see what I can find tomorrow when I'm out and about. I think Aquatic Dreams only carries nutrafin  . I tested Ca tonight and (if i read the stinkin' color change correctly) it was 440. Kh was 180 and pH was 8.3. Should I get a buffer for pH or is 8.3 ok. I'm going to do a water change tomorrow, as it is time. Just paranoid I guess about it all. Learning as I go 
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Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 9:36pm
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8.3 is textbook perfect. Alkalinity is far more important than pH, if you maintain your alk and Calcium, pH will follow. API makes a pink to blue calcium kit. It works well for me. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: phinfan
Date Posted: March 18 2011 at 10:36pm
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I played the LFS water test game. Nutrafin I believe, 2 different stores, they never came up with the same numbers. I have tried API and found it to be closer and more consistent to my own tests, which I have decided to do myself using the Salifert tests. Salifert was recommended as being the most accurate, and the price of the test kits will certainly support that. Being a newbie, and making several attempts at the water chemistry game. I have found Salifert to be excellent.
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Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: March 19 2011 at 8:56am
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The final reading is supposed to be taken when the color is definitely blue. It's usually a dark blue. Realize also that this is not and does not have to be an exact science. The difference between Ca of 400 and 450 makes little difference. What really matters is to have the Alk and Calcium stay fairly steady and balanced somewhere within the ranges. Alk 8-14 dKH Ca 350-550 ppm Mg 1250-1500 ppm ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: Merk
Date Posted: March 23 2011 at 9:56pm
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I vote for Salifert and I've tried others like Red Sea, API and Hagen. I use Salifert kits for all other tests too. ------------- Downtown Salt Lake City 801-809-2367 |
Posted By: dc
Date Posted: March 23 2011 at 11:20pm
| I would have to say Mark has got it! i have used salifert, red sea, api and hagen(nutrafin). the only 2 i trust are salifert and hagen. i now use hagen only with no problems. it is tricky at first though it took me a while to get it down, all CA tests seem this way. i would just keep trying and maybe test a saltwater mix with set parameters (normally higher end salt). |
Posted By: kellerexpress
Date Posted: March 24 2011 at 1:25am
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I'm currently using salifert but have had good luck with API also. Can't wait until Hanna comes out with the calcium and mag testers. ------------- IM 30L Kessil A160we x2 |